Loyola's Institute for Quality and Equity in Education hosts mayoral town hall

Candidates for mayor will participate in a town hall on Thursday, Jan. 21, to explain their views on the future of public education in New Orleans. The Mayoral Forum on Education, Youth and Families is co-sponsored by Loyola University New Orleans’ Institute for Quality and Equity in Education and a broad range of community groups with an interest in education. It takes place at 6 p.m. at Warren Easton Senior High School at 3019 Canal St.

Town hall moderator Lisa Martin, a Loyola journalism professor, will ask candidates questions developed by co-sponsors that revolve around four public education themes: governance, accountability, transparency and equity. While the mayor of New Orleans currently wields no direct control over public schools, town hall organizers hope each candidate will articulate how he or she will help to ensure quality education for all students and the equitable distribution of dollars and human capital across public schools in New Orleans.

Co-sponsors include organizations as varied as the League of Women Voters, Urban League, the Eastbank Collaborative of Charter Schools, United Teachers of New Orleans, Save Our Schools NOLA and others. Institute director and Dean of the College of Social Sciences Luis Mirón, Ph.D., said gathering such a diverse group of education advocates is key to making sure a variety of viewpoints is represented.

“In the spirit of dialogue and inclusiveness, the Loyola institute actively sought multiple co-sponsors. We believe this diversity of perspectives would help facilitate community voice – the critical link in school reform,” Mirón said.

The Institute for Quality and Equity in Education conducts research on how independent charter schools, state-run schools and the small number of traditional public schools in New Orleans serve children of color and diverse economic backgrounds and those with special needs.